Mexico Vs. Italy: Struggling Mexico Falls To Italy In Its Kick Off Confederations Cup Match, 2-1

Mexico just couldn't grab control of the game as Italy set the tone for much of the match, in a grim defeat for El Tri at 2-1 Sunday afternoon. Italy started off on the attack, coming for Mexico's goaltender Jose Corona in just the fourth minute, though the play flopped. Italy was at it again but four minutes later with Mario Barwuah Balotelli's left kick headed straight at Corona. There were a couple failed opportunities and it wasn't until nearly the 30 minute of play that the first blow was dealt by Italy's Pirlo landing a spectacular free kick right into Mexico's net.

Mexico had a chance to fire right back, however, as Andrea Barzagli kicked Giovani dos Santos in the calf, knocking him down. Chicharito scored the first and only goal for Mexico on the penalty, the Guardian reported. This was Mexico's moment to pick up steam and the squad did so fairly well, keeping Italy trapped in its end for a good few minutes. Mexico maintained pressure on Italy until the end of the first 45, but its sudden bout of luck was about to be over with the start of the final 45.

Mexico got a chance at a free kick at the 69 minute mark, which went wide of the net following a pass from Guardado. In the 78th minute, Italy did what Mexico couldn't and capitalized on a free kick as Balotelli turned past Francisco 'Maza' Rodriguez and fired passed Corona, making the score 2-1, Premier Football News reported. It was downhill for Mexico, who could not keep steady pressure on the now-empowered Azzuri. Mexico's coach Jose de la Torre has been futilely swapping line ups, with Raul Jimenez replacing Jesus Zavala at the 85 minute mark.

The game sent Italy straight to the top next to Brazil, while Mexico and Japan remained in the dust. The came for Mexico comes as a disappointment as its long streak of ties has finally been broken with a loss. Though Mexico had its moments of control, its lack of consistency was the squad's downfall. It failed to get through Italy's defense, making Gianluigi Buffon relatively easy.